34 because I so feared the crowd and so dreaded the contempt of the clans that I kept silent and would not go outside-
34 Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
34 because I stood in great fear of the multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and did not go out of doors--
34 Because I was afraid what people would say, fearing the gossip of the neighbors so much That I turned myself into a recluse? You know good and well that I didn't.
34 Because I feared the great multitude, And dreaded the contempt of families, So that I kept silence And did not go out of the door--
34 Have I feared the crowd or the contempt of the masses, so that I kept quiet and stayed indoors?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 31:34
Commentary on Job 31:33-40
(Read Job 31:33-40)
Job clears himself from the charge of hypocrisy. We are loth to confess our faults, willing to excuse them, and to lay the blame upon others. But he that thus covers his sins, shall not prosper, 1 John 1:8. Let us all judge ourselves; wherein we are guilty, let us seek forgiveness in that blood which cleanseth from all sin; and may the Lord have mercy upon us, and write his laws in our hearts!